Poland Syndrome

Poland syndrome is named after Alfred Poland and is not associated with the country Poland. He was the first to describe the syndrome which he discovered dissecting the body of a deceased convict named George Elt in 1841 in London.

Poland's syndrome or sequence may have all or some of the following effects:

may be associated with more severe finger and arm involvement or vertebral or kidney problems but rare

The intelligence is normal.

Although the syndrome is congenital it is not felt to be entirely a genetic disorder since one twin can be affected and not their identical twin. Diminished blood flow to the affected arm in utero may be a factor

Reconstructive surgery is the current treatment. This may be done using a pectoral implant for men and/or women and/or a breast implant for women. Some switching about of the patient's existing musculature and various hand surgeries are also done.